Saturday, March 4, 2017

 
 
Devotional for Saturday, March 4, 2017
“Our Purpose-His Delight”
 
 
season and time
 
 
by Dona Hake
 

Ecclesiastes 3  Amplified Bible 

A Time for Everything

“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything

and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—”

 
Today let us meditate upon the word  purpose.     What do you think of when you hear this word?   The dictionary defines it as the reason for which something exists or is done, made or used.   I find it very sad to know that many live their lives, and never really find out what their purpose was for being here.   I believe the Lord has put special things in each of us that we can be a blessing and help to those around us.  
 
I can remember many years ago teaching a course to the senior class at our Christian school.   The amazing Zig Ziglar was the author of the course.   Each time  that I shared  from this course, I too was stirred and blessed by his instruction and wisdom in life’s experiences.   I can remember one story where he shared a little cartoon and it’s caption was, “Some people take their music to the grave with them.”   It was a graveyard with many tombstones in the image.   The image gave a haunting quietness that spelled out the fact that those that were buried never lived their purpose nor did they play their God given “music” for the world to hear. 
 
As we commit our lives to the Lord, and seek Him first in all that we do, we will be blessed to find His loving hand in every area of our life.   He has planted gifts and “songs” in each one of us for the world to hear.   Many times people do not step out in their gift because of fear of failure.   Others simply have no one to encourage them and help them develop.    God desires that we look to Him to express His purposes in us while we are walking this journey in the life we live .  His Word proclaims that He will perfect ALL that concerns us so let us seek Him to  understand what the purposes are for our lives.  Today is a new day, it is like no other, and He wants to use us like never before!
 
There may be specific things that you know the Lord is desiring to do in you, and they may not been totally fulfilled. Remember…even as you walk in His paths you are still a work in progress. Have you ever been tempted to be impatient with God’s timing as He works in and around you?  I think it is vital that we remind ourselves that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. If ever there are times you find yourself impatient with His timing or how and when He is bringing things to pass, you will surely be tempted to do things in your own ability. It is in those times that we do not understand how to walk the way that He is leading us that we look up and cry out for His wisdom on the matter. The first chapter of James says that if we lack wisdom, we need to just ask Him for it, and then be patient in order that God’s perfect work be done in us.
 

James 1:4-6(ERV)

“If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good.

You will be mature and complete.
You will be all that God wants you to be.
Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys
giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom.
But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him.”
 
Today I want to encourage your heart that as long as you have breath in you, God has a purpose for you. He has desires, and His planning and timing are perfect. As we purpose to seek His purposes, He promises to fulfill them!